Socceroos determined to brave Chile in opener

Socceroos determined to brave Chile in opener

FOUR years after the Socceroos let Germany run all over them in their World Cup opener in South Africa, the team has vowed not to make the same mistake against another high-quality opponent.

The players and coaching staff in Brazil are almost unrecognisable from those involved in the 4-0 thrashing in Durban, which prompted many commentators to say the Socceroos showed their higher-fancied opponents too much respect.

Ahead of the team's opening Group B match against Chile in Cuiaba on Saturday morning, Socceroos assistant coach Aurelio Vidmar has promised the new-look Aussie outfit would not be intimidated.

"They (Chile)n are very aggressive in the way they want to play their game," Vidmar said.

"They take a lot of risks. They're quite brave in how they have an attacking formation.

"And when you've got some of the best players in the world in (Eduardo) Vargas, (Arturo) Vidal and (Alexis) Sanchez as your front three, then I suppose you can be a little brave.

"We're not afraid of that."

Chile could be without the services of star man Vidal as he struggles to regain full fitness following minor knee surgery.